A basement bar can go through a surprising amount of ice during a party, so the right machine should match both your drink demand and your room’s plumbing. The options below range from compact under-counter models to a high-output machine with a larger bin. Before choosing, check the unit’s dimensions, water hookup, and drainage requirements—especially if your basement does not have a nearby floor drain.
Quick Comparison
| Ice maker | Stated daily output | Storage | Notable details |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNGDOGIN Commercial Ice Maker | 110 lb | 33 lb | 36 cubes per cycle; self-cleaning |
| Mojgar 120-lb Commercial Ice Maker | 120 lb | 33 lb | ETL-certified; front-venting; gravity drain |
| Mojgar 300-lb Commercial Ice Machine | 300 lb | 60 lb | Large output and bin; gravity drain |
| Nanori Commercial Ice Maker | Listing details differ | 33 lb | Adjustable ice thickness; built-in filter |
| Mojgar 130-lb Commercial Ice Maker | 130 lb | 40 lb | Tap or compatible bottled-water supply |
Our Picks: Best Ice Maker For Basement Bar reviews
1. SUNGDOGIN Commercial Ice Maker: Fast-Cycle Option for Home Bars
This stainless-steel machine is listed with a daily output of up to 110 pounds and a 33-pound insulated storage bin. It makes 36 cubes in a stated 7-to-14-minute cycle, which could help keep a home bar supplied during a gathering without relying only on an occasional small batch.
A one-touch self-cleaning program is included, a useful convenience for a machine that makes ice for drinks. The description presents it as suitable for under-counter or freestanding use, but it does not provide dimensions or detailed drainage requirements. Measure your planned space and confirm the installation details before buying.
The supplied product data marks this listing as unavailable, so check the listing before planning around it. Its stated capacity is a reasonable fit for regular entertaining, but the larger Mojgar models offer more storage for heavy use. The product description also does not specify an ETL certification.
Pros:
- Stated output of up to 110 pounds per day
- 33-pound storage bin
- Quick stated cycle time and one-touch self-cleaning
Cons:
- Listing is marked unavailable in the supplied product data
- Dimensions and drainage details are not provided
Verdict: Consider this model if its listing becomes available and you can confirm it fits your basement and drain setup; otherwise, the Mojgar options provide more installation detail.
2. Mojgar 120-lb Ice Maker: A Compact Under-Counter Pick
This Mojgar is designed to fit beneath compatible counters or operate as a freestanding unit. Its stated dimensions are 15.1 by 15.7 by 29 inches, and the front-venting design is intended for under-counter installation. Check your cabinet opening and the unit’s installation instructions before you commit to a built-in placement.
The machine is rated for up to 120 pounds of ice per day and has a 33-pound bin. The listing says its first batch takes 10 to 18 minutes. It also includes adjustable ice thickness, interior LED lighting, and one-touch self-cleaning. The product is described as ETL-certified and has a stainless-steel exterior.
Drainage is an important basement consideration: this model uses gravity drainage, and a drain pump is not included. The hose needs to sit lower than the machine, and the installation requires a floor drain or suitable gravity-drain setup. Its storage bin is not a freezer, so it is better to think of it as a holding bin than long-term frozen storage.
Pros:
- Stated output of up to 120 pounds per day with a 33-pound bin
- Front venting and listed dimensions suit some under-counter layouts
- Adjustable ice thickness, LED lighting, and self-cleaning
- ETL certification is stated in the product description
Cons:
- Requires gravity drainage; a drain pump is not included
- The storage bin is not a freezer
Verdict: This is a practical mid-capacity choice if your basement has a workable gravity drain and the listed dimensions fit your bar cabinetry.
3. Mojgar 300-lb Ice Machine: Highest Stated Capacity
If your basement bar regularly hosts large groups, this model stands out for its stated capacity: up to 300 pounds per day, with 96 cubes per 10-to-18-minute cycle. Its 60-pound insulated bin is also the largest in this group, giving it more holding capacity than the other listed machines.
The unit measures 19.1 by 16.3 by 30.9 inches and can be used under a compatible counter or freestanding. Features include a water filter, adjustable ice thickness, one-touch self-cleaning, and alerts for a full bin, low water, or a fault. The product description also states ETL certification and operation under 50 dB.
The higher output comes with a larger footprint, so compare its dimensions with your available space before choosing it for a basement bar. It requires gravity drainage, and no drain pump is included. The description mentions use in a basement without a dedicated water line, but you should confirm the specific water-supply arrangement that will work for your installation.
Pros:
- Highest stated daily output and largest bin among these picks
- Includes a water filter and adjustable ice thickness
- Alerts and self-cleaning support routine operation
- Listed for under-counter or freestanding use
Cons:
- Larger dimensions may not suit a compact bar area
- Requires gravity drainage; a drain pump is not included
Verdict: Choose this model when your bar has space for a larger machine and you want the greatest stated output and storage capacity in this comparison.
4. Nanori Commercial Ice Maker: Flexible Ice Thickness Settings
The Nanori’s standout feature is its range of ice-thickness settings. The listing describes 10 adjustments, intended to let you choose thinner or thicker ice for different drinks and food uses. It also includes a built-in water filter, a self-cleaning function, a timer, and a transparent sliding door for viewing the bin.
There is a specification mismatch to note: the product title says 110 pounds per day, while the description states up to 100 pounds per day. The description also gives a 33-pound storage capacity and says it makes 50 cubes in a 7-to-16-minute cycle. Confirm the current listing details if exact capacity matters to your setup.
The supplied data marks this product as unavailable. The description lists an inlet hose, drain pipe, adjustable feet, and ice scoop among the included accessories, and states ETL and DOE certifications. However, it does not clearly explain the drainage arrangement for a basement installation, so confirm that before purchasing.
Pros:
- Multiple ice-thickness settings
- Built-in water filter and self-cleaning function
- Transparent door and listed installation accessories
- ETL and DOE certifications are stated in the product description
Cons:
- Listing is marked unavailable in the supplied product data
- Title and description give different daily-output figures
Verdict: This could suit a bar where adjustable ice is a priority, but verify availability, capacity, and drainage details before making it your main ice source.
5. Mojgar 130-lb Ice Maker: A Flexible Water-Supply Option
This Mojgar model offers a useful middle ground between the 120-pound and 300-pound options. It is rated for up to 130 pounds per day and has a 40-pound insulated bin. Its stated cycle makes 36 cubes in 10 to 18 minutes.
Its main differentiator is water-supply flexibility: the product description says it can connect to a tap-water line or a compatible bottled-water supply through its self-priming system. That may help if your basement bar lacks a nearby dedicated water line, though the machine still needs a suitable water source and a workable drain.
The listed dimensions are 15.7 inches deep, 14.9 inches wide, and 29.8 inches high. It includes adjustable ice thickness, one-touch self-cleaning, and alerts for a full bin, low water, or a fault. The description states ETL certification and operation under 50 dB. As with the other gravity-drain models, the hose must sit lower than the machine, and a drain pump is not included.
Pros:
- Stated output of up to 130 pounds per day and a 40-pound bin
- Can use tap water or a compatible bottled-water supply
- Compact listed dimensions and under-counter design
- Self-cleaning, adjustable ice thickness, and operating alerts
Cons:
- Requires gravity drainage; a drain pump is not included
- Bottled-water use still depends on a compatible supply setup
Verdict: This is a strong choice for a basement bar that needs more storage than the 120-pound model offers and may benefit from a bottled-water option.
How to Choose an Ice Maker for a Basement Bar
Match Output to How You Use Your Bar
Daily output is a useful starting point, but it is not the only number to compare. A small group that uses the bar occasionally may not need a machine rated for hundreds of pounds a day. For frequent parties or a busy shared space, higher stated output can provide more headroom. Think about how many drinks you serve at once and how often you can let the machine run between gatherings.
Look at Bin Capacity, Not Just Daily Production
The storage bin holds ice that is ready to use, while the daily-output figure describes the machine’s stated production over time. A larger bin can help during a rush, but it does not mean the ice will stay frozen indefinitely. One option in this group explicitly says its bin is not a freezer. Plan to use or transfer stored ice as needed rather than treating the bin as long-term frozen storage.
Check Basement Drainage Before Ordering
Drainage can be the deciding factor in a basement. Several models here require gravity drainage, which means the drain hose must run downhill to a suitable drain; the listed Mojgar models do not include a drain pump. If your intended location has no floor drain or lower drain point, ask the manufacturer whether a pump can be used before buying. Do not assume a unit can drain into any nearby fixture without confirming the setup.
Confirm Water-Supply Requirements
Check whether the machine connects to a water line or supports another supply method. The 130-pound Mojgar is described as accepting tap water or a compatible bottled-water supply. Another model’s description mentions basement use without a dedicated water line, but you should confirm how it must be supplied in practice. A suitable water source is still necessary for making ice.
Measure the Opening and Allow for Installation
Compare the machine’s listed width, depth, and height with your planned location, including the cabinet opening if you want an under-counter installation. Front venting is specifically listed for the 120-pound Mojgar, but do not assume every model can be enclosed the same way. Check the installation instructions for clearance and access needs before fitting a machine into cabinetry.
Choose Features You Will Actually Use
Self-cleaning can simplify routine care, while adjustable ice thickness may be useful if you serve different kinds of drinks. A water filter, alerts, and an LED light can also make operation more convenient. Prioritize features that matter to your routine, but treat them as additions to—not substitutes for—proper cleaning and installation.
Verify Product Details and Certifications
Product listings can contain conflicting or incomplete specifications. The Nanori listing, for example, gives different daily-output figures in its title and description. Confirm the current specifications, included accessories, certification details, warranty terms, and availability before ordering, especially when those details affect your installation.
FAQs
Does a basement ice maker need a floor drain?
It depends on the model and installation. The Mojgar 120-pound, 300-pound, and 130-pound machines in this comparison require gravity drainage and a suitable drain setup; their descriptions say a drain pump is not included. Check the installation requirements for any model you consider.
Can these machines fit under a bar counter?
Some are described as under-counter models, but fit depends on the machine’s dimensions and the available opening. The Mojgar 120-pound and 130-pound listings provide dimensions, so compare them with your cabinet space. Also confirm the unit’s installation and ventilation requirements.
Does a larger daily-output rating mean more ice is ready at once?
No. Daily output and bin capacity are different specifications. A machine may produce a high stated amount over a day but have a smaller amount of ice stored and ready at one time. Compare both figures with your expected use.
Can I use a basement ice maker without a water line?
Some product descriptions mention alternative water arrangements. The Mojgar 130-pound model is described as supporting a compatible bottled-water supply as well as a tap-water line. Confirm the required connection and setup for your chosen model before ordering.
Is self-cleaning enough to maintain an ice maker?
A self-cleaning program can help with routine cleaning, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. The feature does not remove the need to keep the machine and its water system clean.
Which model has the most storage?
The Mojgar 300-pound model has the largest stated bin in this comparison at 60 pounds. Its larger size and gravity-drain requirement make it important to check available floor space and drainage before choosing it.
Final Recommendation
For most basement bars, the Mojgar 130-lb Commercial Ice Maker is the most balanced option in this group: it has a 40-pound bin, a compact listed footprint, and a stated bottled-water option for locations without a dedicated water line. If you host large groups and have room for a larger machine plus a suitable drain, the Mojgar 300-lb model offers the greatest stated output and storage. In either case, confirm the current listing details and plan the water and drainage setup before you buy.